Updated October 2026 • 7 min read
The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate with about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Summers are hot and almost dry, with average highs around 29°C (85°F) in July and August. Winters are mild, with highs of 16 to 17°C (61 to 63°F), and most of the year's rain falls between October and January. The sea is coolest in early spring, about 16°C (61°F), and warmest from July to October, around 21 to 22°C (70 to 71°F).
Below are the monthly averages for Faro, notes for each month and advice on when to go for beaches, golf and hiking.
Algarve Weather Month by Month
Air temperatures, rain and sunshine are the official 1991 to 2020 climate averages for Faro from IPMA, Portugal's weather institute. Sea temperatures are monthly averages for Faro.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Sea | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 47°F | 17°C / 62°F | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6 | 5.9 h |
| February | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 48°F | 16°C / 61°F | 42 mm (1.6 in) | 5 | 6.1 h |
| March | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 51°F | 16°C / 61°F | 47 mm (1.8 in) | 6 | 7.8 h |
| April | 21°C / 69°F | 12°C / 54°F | 17°C / 63°F | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5 | 8.5 h |
| May | 24°C / 74°F | 15°C / 59°F | 19°C / 65°F | 26 mm (1.0 in) | 4 | 9.8 h |
| June | 27°C / 80°F | 18°C / 64°F | 20°C / 69°F | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 1 | 10.9 h |
| July | 29°C / 85°F | 20°C / 67°F | 21°C / 70°F | 1 mm (0.0 in) | 0 | 11.6 h |
| August | 29°C / 85°F | 20°C / 68°F | 22°C / 71°F | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 0 | 11.1 h |
| September | 26°C / 80°F | 18°C / 65°F | 22°C / 71°F | 22 mm (0.8 in) | 2 | 9.3 h |
| October | 23°C / 74°F | 16°C / 60°F | 21°C / 71°F | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 6 | 7.3 h |
| November | 20°C / 67°F | 12°C / 53°F | 19°C / 67°F | 76 mm (3.0 in) | 7 | 6.4 h |
| December | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 49°F | 18°C / 64°F | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7 | 5.1 h |
Averages are for Faro, on the coast. Inland areas such as Monchique are cooler and wetter in winter, and the Atlantic west coast is usually windier, with cooler water.
What the Weather Is Like Each Month
Algarve Weather in January
The coolest month, with mild days, cool evenings and some rain spread over about six days. A good time for golf, walking and quiet old towns.
- Average high / low: 16°C (61°F) / 8°C (47°F)
- Sea: 17°C (62°F)
- Rain: 49 mm over about 6 days
Algarve Weather in February
Still mild, with less rain than December or January and a very quiet coast.
- Average high / low: 17°C (63°F) / 9°C (48°F)
- Sea: 16°C (61°F)
- Rain: 42 mm over about 5 days
Algarve Weather in March
Days get noticeably longer and sunnier, with more than 240 hours of sunshine. Spring is a good time for coastal walks, though the sea is still cool.
- Average high / low: 19°C (66°F) / 11°C (51°F)
- Sea: 16°C (61°F)
- Rain: 47 mm over about 6 days
Algarve Weather in April
Pleasant and green, with highs around 21°C (69°F). The sea is still too cool for most swimmers.
- Average high / low: 21°C (69°F) / 12°C (54°F)
- Sea: 17°C (63°F)
- Rain: 39 mm over about 5 days
Plan your dates
Algarve Weather in May
One of the best months overall: warm days, more than 300 hours of sunshine and little rain, before the summer crowds arrive.
- Average high / low: 24°C (74°F) / 15°C (59°F)
- Sea: 19°C (65°F)
- Rain: 26 mm over about 4 days
Algarve Weather in June
Summer starts, with highs near 27°C (80°F) and almost no rain. The sea warms past 20°C, and beaches are busy but not yet at their peak.
- Average high / low: 27°C (80°F) / 18°C (64°F)
- Sea: 20°C (69°F)
- Rain: 5 mm over about 1 days
Algarve Weather in July
The sunniest month, with about 360 hours of sunshine and highs around 29°C (85°F). Beaches and resorts are at their busiest.
- Average high / low: 29°C (85°F) / 20°C (67°F)
- Sea: 21°C (70°F)
- Rain: 1 mm over about 0 days
Algarve Weather in August
As hot as July, with the warmest sea of the summer, about 22°C (71°F). Book hotels, cars and tours well ahead.
- Average high / low: 29°C (85°F) / 20°C (68°F)
- Sea: 22°C (71°F)
- Rain: 3 mm over about 0 days
ALGARVE ESSENTIAL PACKAGE
Six nights in the Algarve with flights, hotel and airport transfers included. Choose your dates for the sunniest months and book early for summer.
See the Algarve package →Algarve Weather in September
Still summer weather, with highs around 26°C (80°F) and a warm sea, but fewer crowds after the first weeks. One of the best months for a beach trip.
- Average high / low: 26°C (80°F) / 18°C (65°F)
- Sea: 22°C (71°F)
- Rain: 22 mm over about 2 days
Algarve Weather in October
Warm and usually sunny, with highs around 23°C (74°F) and the sea still above 21°C. The first autumn rains arrive, spread over about six days.
- Average high / low: 23°C (74°F) / 16°C (60°F)
- Sea: 21°C (71°F)
- Rain: 56 mm over about 6 days
Algarve Weather in November
Milder and wetter, with highs near 20°C (67°F) and more rain. Good for golf, hiking and lower-season prices.
- Average high / low: 20°C (67°F) / 12°C (53°F)
- Sea: 19°C (67°F)
- Rain: 76 mm over about 7 days
Algarve Weather in December
The wettest month, but still mild by European standards, with highs around 17°C (63°F). Quiet resorts and festive old towns.
- Average high / low: 17°C (63°F) / 10°C (49°F)
- Sea: 18°C (64°F)
- Rain: 90 mm over about 7 days
Best Months for Each Type of Trip
| Trip | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beach and swimming | June to September | Hot, dry weather and the warmest sea |
| Beach with fewer crowds | June and September | Summer weather without the August peak |
| Hiking and coastal walks | March to May, October | Mild temperatures and green landscapes |
| Golf | October to April | Mild days and quieter courses |
| Sightseeing and city breaks | Year-round | Even winter has plenty of bright, mild days |
⛳ ALGARVE PACKAGE WITH CAR
Flights, hotel and a rental car for six nights, a flexible way to combine beaches in summer or golf and walks in the cooler months.
See the package with car →What to Pack
- Summer: light clothes, sun protection, a hat and water shoes for rocky coves. Bring a light layer for windy evenings on the west coast.
- Spring and autumn: layers, a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
- Winter: a warm sweater, a waterproof jacket and an umbrella.
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Book now →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in the Algarve?
Hot and dry in summer, with average highs around 29°C (85°F), and mild in winter, with highs of 16 to 17°C (61 to 63°F). Faro gets about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year.
What is the hottest month in the Algarve?
July and August, with average highs of about 29°C (85°F) and lows near 20°C (68°F).
When is the sea warmest in the Algarve?
From July to October, when the sea in Faro averages around 21 to 22°C (70 to 71°F). It is coolest in February and March, at about 16°C (61°F).
What is the rainiest month in the Algarve?
December, with about 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain over around seven days. From June to August it barely rains.
Is the Algarve warm in winter?
Mild rather than warm. Daytime highs are around 16 to 17°C (61 to 63°F), with cool evenings and some rainy days, but also many bright, sunny ones.
What is the weather like in the Algarve in October?
Usually warm and sunny, with average highs around 23°C (74°F), a sea still above 21°C (70°F) and the first autumn rain, over about six days.
Keep Reading
When to go
Best Time to Visit the Algarve: When to Go
Getting there
Algarve Airport Guide: How to Get to the Algarve
What to see
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in the Algarve
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